Grab, Uber drivers warned vs new scam

MANILA — A commuter’s group yesterday warned Grab and Uber drivers against a new modus of robbers pretending to be passengers.

Ariel Inton of the Lawyers for Commuters’ Safety and Protection, said Michael Bucag, a Grab driver, reported that he lost cash and personal belongings to a male passenger whom he picked up at a hotel along Kalayaan Avenue in Quezon City. The rider offered to pay for a round trip ride to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay and back to the hotel.

Bucag said he went to the toilet when they arrived at the airport. When he returned to the car, Bucag said his mobile phone, personal documents and wallet containing P3,800 were missing. The rider was gone. Bucag tried to go back to the hotel but found out that the suspect was not a guest, prompting him to report the incident to authorities.

Police said Bucag was the seventh victim of the suspect later identified as Jayson de la Cruz, who has pending theft cases in the Pasay police.